Tom Orsborn: Spurs ready for AARP membership?

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – The Spurs awoke this morning to a headline in the Los Angeles Times that labeled them “Silver Spurs.”

That’s silver as in silver haired.

The headline was for a column by NBA beat writer Mark Heisler, one of the best in the business, about how the Spurs’ dynasty is at the crossroads because of the team’s advanced average age. Heisler pointed out that the Spurs, with nine of their 10 rotation players aged 30 or older and five 35 or older, may be the oldest team ever to go this deep in the playoffs. According to Heisler, “the average age of the 1968-69 Celtics’ rotation players who won Bill Russell’s last title was 31. The 11 Spurs who played in Game 1 averaged 33.”

Said Bruce Bowen: “I think that’s a credit to the old guys here. Our ‘center’ back in San Antonio will be really proud of us that we have been able to do something like this.” When none of the media laughed, Bowen said, “Get it? Center? Retirement center? I guess it’s not going well.”